Grace Louise Bates' Obituary
Grace Louise (Bolz) Bates, 93, passed away Friday, May 1, 2026, at the
Cedarhurst Senior Living of Fort Wayne, Fort Wayne. Grace was born in Chicago,
January 4, 1933, with her twin, Gloria, who preceded her to heaven. “The twins” were inseparable throughout their lives, known especially for playing piano duets since age seven. Grace used her musical talents for many years, teaching in her home
and playing piano for Sunday School and Vacation Bible School at Emanuel Lutheran Church, New Haven, for 50 years. She also enjoyed entertaining many Fort Wayne area long term care residents with her lively piano playing. Grace married Larry Bates in November 1954; they enjoyed 49 years of marriage, raising four children Joyce (deceased), Carol (Randy), Paul, and Greg (Deb) in New Haven. Grace worked as a
CNA and QMA; she loved gardening and spent countless hours cultivating beautiful plants and flowers. As empty nesters, Grace and Larry especially enjoyed spending time at Pokagon State Park. Grace welcomed each grandchild and great
grandchild with homemade cards and personal poems. She played “Happy Birthday” and other special songs for them via video, and was the founding judge for “Great Grandma Gracie’s Annual Gingerbread House Contest,” held among family
members each holiday season. We invite friends to join in celebrating Mom’s life at Harper’s Community Funeral Home, 740 State Road 930 E, New Haven, Wednesday, May 6, 2026, 12 P.M. with visitations two hours prior (10-Noon) to service. Burial at Emanuel Lutheran Cemetery, New Haven. We want thank all the staff at Cedarhurst Assisted Living and Memory Care, as well as Heart-to-Heart Hospice for the exceptional care they provided. Thank you all; you have a special calling and we are
forever grateful. Preferred memorials may be made to Central Lutheran School, 900 Green Street, New Haven IN, 46774 or Heart-to- Heart Hospice, 5646 Coventry Ln, Fort Wayne, IN 46804.
What’s your fondest memory of Grace?
What’s a lesson you learned from Grace?
Share a story where Grace's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Grace you’ll never forget.
How did Grace make you smile?
